Halloween is over and I’m in full Christmas mode now. I mean, I kind of was before Halloween, but even more so now, haha. Holiday Ever After sounded like a Hallmark Christmas movie, but a bit spicy, so I needed it in my life. Today I want to tell you about this book and what I thought. Keep on reading to find out more!
A big thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for providing me with an eARC to read and review. This doesn’t affect my opinion in any way.
Clara Davenport wants to solve Fraser Falls’s biggest problem. According to Jack Kelly, Clara is Fraser Falls’s biggest problem.
All Clara Davenport has ever wanted to do is climb the ladder at Davenport Innovation Creative, her family’s toy business. Everything was going according to plan, until the company was accused of stealing a doll design from an independent toy maker, creating a flurry of bad publicity. With a promotion dangled in front of her like a carrot to a reindeer, Clara is tasked with charming the locals of the small town to solve the PR nightmare, by any means necessary.
Jack Kelly would be happy to never hear the name Davenport ever again. Less than a year after a guy in a fancy suit appeared on his doorstep with a sleigh-full of promises, the company that once falsely claimed they wanted to sign him to their small business program has copied his design. So when Clara prances into town hoping to convince Fraser Falls that her company is not the enemy, Jack is determined not to be fooled by Davenport twice.
But Clara has a plan to win over the community only to realize that beneath Jack’s frosty demeanor lies the key to the town’s heart—and maybe her own.
Review
I’m someone who loves everything about Christmas, so I didn’t think twice when I added Holiday Ever After to my TBR. I was so excited to get my hands on an eARC of this. This book basically feels like a Hallmark Christmas movie as a book. Except with a little bit of spice. I read this book in just about one sitting and I was sad when I read the last page. If I could move to Fraser Falls I would!
Clara has always dreamed of is climbing the ladder of her family’s toy business. While she was working for a different department, her family is accused of stealing a toy design from an independent creator. To get the promotion she’s always dreamed of, she has to go to this town and fix the PR nightmare. Clara is an interesting character who really just wants to live her dream. She definitely changes a lot in this story. While in this town helping, she gets to know everyone and starts looking at her own life. Sometimes things aren’t as they seem and maybe not what you truly want. I love how genuine she was wanting to help this town be all it could be.
Jack is the independent toy creator and didn’t expect to go viral when he made a doll for a loved one. He can be a grump, but he cares a lot more than he lets on. The town goes to him whenever something needs to be fixed. He shows up whenever someone needs him. Except he doesn’t ask for help himself. Jack really just has a big heart and wants everyone to be happy.
The two of them together definitely has a tense start but she slowly starts breaking down his walls. A little forced proximity will do that for you! I did appreciate the slow burn in this romance. Nothing spicy happens until a couple of hundred pages in. The tension jumped off of the pages and made it even better when they finally give into their feelings. We all know this little fling until Clara leaves wasn’t going to be just a one time thing. These two really fit each other and give the other what they need.
Holiday Ever After is a great start to the holiday season and I was smiling most of the time while reading this. I didn’t really need the little bit of drama we had at the end, but it all made sense. Also, the side characters in this story really make this small town come to life. I only wish I had snow storm while reading this book. I really hope Hannah Grace gives us more holiday romances. I need books like this in my life!
Holiday Ever After has put me in a Christmas romance mood and I plan to be reading a lot between now and Christmas. Have you read any holiday romances so far this year? Or are you planning to read any? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!
